Abstract
BackgroundSexually transmitted infection patient-initiated partner notification (PN) approach has been implemented over a decade in South Africa, however, use and update by patients has been limited. This study assessed the perceived use of patient-initiated PN by using referral slips and measured the level of acceptability of provider-initiated PN by using short message service (SMS) to the personal mobile phones of sexual partners.MethodsA formative evaluation approach using a quantitative survey amongst 722 minibus taxi drivers in nine major taxi ranks in Tshwane Municipality, Gauteng Province. STATA IC version 13 was used for data analyses.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 37.2 years (59%) were single, 59.5% had multiple sexual partners, 52.2% did not use a condom during the last sexual act, 42.8% reported inconsistent use of condoms and 65% tested for HIV in the past 12 months. The majority (98.2%) understood the importance of PN, but 51% would prefer telling a sexual partner face to face. Perceived easiness of delivering a PN slip was 69.1%, and 93% would use a PN slip received from a partner. Acceptability of provider-initiated PN by using an SMS was 62.7% and about a third (32.5%) were not in favour of provider-initiated PN by SMS. Twenty four point 7 percent (24.7%) preferred patient-initiated PN and 24.3% preferred provider-initiated PN.ConclusionPreferred patient-initiated and provider-initiated PN was almost equal, hence, the provider-initiated PN should be augmented to support the current patient-initiated PN to increase the overall STI notification.
Highlights
South Africa’s burden of disease because of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is currently one of the largest in the world, and this is true for all STIs, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papilloma virus.[1]
A sample of 722 male minibus taxi drivers participated in the study, and they had been working in the minibus taxi industry for the mean period of 8.7 years
We found that a high proportion of the minibus taxi drivers understood the importance of notifying sexual partners once diagnosed with an STI
Summary
South Africa’s burden of disease because of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is currently one of the largest in the world, and this is true for all STIs, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papilloma virus.[1] In the African region in 2016, amongst men aged 15–49 years, the estimated prevalence of chlamydia was 4.0% (2.4% – 6.1%), gonorrhoea was 1.6% (0.9% – 2.6%), syphilis was 1.6% (1.2% – 2.0%) and trichomonas was 1.2% (0.7% – 1.8%).[2] The significantly high prevalence of STIs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) poses a threat because of the increased risk of HIV transmission.[3] From 2010 to 2011, the STI incidence for South Africa was 3.9%,4 and the prevalence of syphilis and male urethral discharge was 8.3% and 13.8%, respectively.[5]. Transmitted infection patient-initiated partner notification (PN) approach has been implemented over a decade in South Africa, use and update by patients has been limited. This study assessed the perceived use of patient-initiated PN by using referral slips and measured the level of acceptability of provider-initiated PN by using short message service (SMS) to the personal mobile phones of sexual partners
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
